Bothell Arts Commission readies downtown World Cup activation with $65,000 Port grant
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Summary
The Arts Commission reviewed a Port of Seattle grant to fund a downtown World Cup activation, including temporary vinyl art, ground stickers with QR codes, and an artist roster; staff said the activation budget is about $65,000 and that some elements are temporary through August.
The Bothell Arts Commission outlined plans this month for a downtown public‑art activation tied to World Cup events after securing Port of Seattle grant funding.
Staff member (S1) said the initiative, called “Welcome to our district,” will combine temporary vinyl window art, rotating panel pieces and ground stickers with QR codes linking visitors to a local events site. “The budget for this activation is about $65,000,” the staff member said. The activation also includes development of an artist roster for longer‑term projects.
Phase 1 will use direct invitations to artists to meet the World Cup timeline, with later phases selecting artists from a roster developed by the program. The project will deploy ground stickers that include QR codes and use a chatbot service (Hello Lamp Post) so passersby can scan and get real‑time information on watch parties, restaurants and nearby activities. The staff member said the Hello Lamp Post contract runs through August, after which the QR codes will redirect to the city’s Begin at Bothell site.
Commissioners discussed possible locations for vinyl wraps and panels, including Banner Bank, the Mason Building and other downtown facades, and whether wrapped vinyl could be used to cover boarded windows. Staff noted some permanent mural work is being considered for later phases, while the World Cup activation is designed to be temporary to coincide with visitor traffic.
Commissioners said the activation aims to help downtown businesses by increasing foot traffic and visibility during the World Cup, and staff said testing and a small pilot rollout will occur before broader deployment.
The commission will continue planning through April and expects to move into contracting and installations in the weeks before the World Cup, weather permitting.
